Senate passes Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act unanimously and honors family in chamber

The Louisiana Senate gave final passage to House Bill 636, known as the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act, after sponsor remarks that described the bill as a comprehensive set of hazing-prevention measures for public postsecondary campuses.

Senator Boudreaux, who led the floor presentation, said the bill grew from the Caleb Wilson Hazing Task Force and described three core components: mandatory hazing-prevention education and annual training for advisers and hearing panels; strengthened reporting, documentation, and anonymous reporting options; and expanded enforcement measures, including the possibility of permanent banishment for organizations found responsible for hazing that leads to serious harm. He said the legislation was developed with input from Commissioner Kim Hunter Reid and the task force, and that the Wilson family had attended every task force meeting.

"This legislation is being offered in honor of Caleb with the support of his family who attended each and every one of our task force meetings," Boudreaux said on the floor.

The Senate recorded a final passage roll call; the bill passed by a recorded vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays. Immediately after passage the sponsor invited the family to the floor; the chamber presented an American flag and a state flag to the Wilsons and offered additional remarks recognizing the family’s loss and the bill’s purpose to prevent further tragedies.

What happens next: With final passage in the Senate, HB 636 proceeds as required toward enrollment and, if signed by the governor, will become law according to its effective date provisions.